KAREEDOUW – Kareedouw is facing the possibility of being declared a water disaster area as residents endure prolonged water shortages lasting days at a time, with local leaders and officials offering differing perspectives on whether the crisis stems from infrastructure failures or drought conditions affecting the broader Sarah Baartman District region.
Henni Britz, Democratic Alliance Kou-Kamma Constituency Leader, said that Kareedouw is facing severe water restrictions and the looming possibility of being declared a water disaster area.
He alleges that since December 2025, residents have been repeatedly left without water in their homes for days at a time, placing an unbearable strain on their daily lives.
Britz said that he recently met with local community members and, thereafter, with the Municipal Manager to address the crisis.
He said that during the meeting with the Municipal Manager, it was allegedly highlighted that many of Kareedouw’s water challenges are the result of the municipality’s broken water pumps, as well as dysfunctional and vandalised boreholes that have not been properly maintained for years.
“The situation became so critical that the community took matters into its own hands and sent the municipality’s two water pumps for repairs. Only one could be repaired and was reinstalled, providing limited but much-needed relief. The municipality undertook to pay for the repaired water pump, but payment has yet to be made,” said Britz.
He alleges that strict water restrictions are expected to be imposed as the first of many steps toward having Kou-Kamma declared a water disaster area.
Britz said that the Municipal Manager allegedly admitted that the municipality is facing severe funding limitations and lacks the funds to properly address the water crisis.
“Declaring the area a water disaster and securing funding from the national government appears to be his only proposed long-term solution. In the meantime, residents are left to suffer the consequences of the municipality’s failures,” said Britz.
He alleges that municipal officials do not have maps showing the location of water pipelines leading to the town, and there is no reliable information on borehole capacities or accurate meter readings to determine actual water consumption.
Furthermore, Britz claims that one water pump is incorrectly configured, creating a loop that pumps water back into a feeding dam instead of to the reservoir.
He said that incorrect water billing has been ongoing for years without resolution.
Britz alleges that that Kou-Kamma has undertaken to update its water infrastructure data.
As soon as more technical data has been collected, Britz said he plans to approach the office of the Minister of Water and Sanitation for urgent intervention.
Kareedouw resident, Andile Williams, said that the ongoing water shortages in Kou-Kamma, particularly in Kareedouw, remain deeply concerning.
He said that residents continue to experience frequent and prolonged disruptions affecting households, schools, businesses and health services.
Of further concern is the apparent lack of communication from the Public Participation Office.
“It is alleged that the responsible officer has cited being on standby during the festive season, leaving communities without timely updates,” said Williams.
While these challenges persist, he has acknowledged and commended the hard work of water truck driver Masixole Gcukumana and his assistant Mzwandile Twalo, who have worked tirelessly to support affected areas.
Williams further expressed his appreciation for the commitment of Water and Sanitation Technician, Olwethu Mapheelle, who consistently makes himself available whenever communities are without water.
However, he said that appreciation for individual efforts cannot replace the urgent need for improved coordination, accountability and a clear action plan from the municipality.
“Water is a basic right, and residents deserve reliable access and transparent communication,” said Williams.
Kou-Kamma Executive Mayor Sam Vuso said that allegations made by the Democratic Alliance about the current water crisis being man-made are misleading and fail to account for the broader realities affecting the region.
“It is common cause that the entire Sarah Baartman District Municipality is experiencing severe water shortages, primarily as a result of prolonged drought conditions,” said Vuso.
“In response, the District Municipality is actively coordinating and mobilising resources to assist all affected local municipalities, including Kou-Kamma Local Municipality.”
Vuso said that these challenges are further compounded by high levels of vandalism and theft, including the destruction of infrastructure and theft of pumps and electrical cables.
Despite these setbacks, he said that the municipality continues to take all reasonable steps to secure its assets while simultaneously procuring the necessary equipment to ensure the continued provision of water.
“Where infrastructure maintenance or unforeseen disruptions occur, contingency measures are implemented to provide relief water to affected communities,” said Vuso.
He said that it is therefore disingenuous and irresponsible for the DA to allege that the municipality is the cause of the water crisis currently being experienced.
Vuso said that such claims undermine collective efforts required to address a crisis that demands cooperation, accountability, and responsible leadership.
“The Kou-Kamma Local Municipality remains fully committed to providing water to its communities and will continue to work tirelessly, together with the District Municipality and other stakeholders, to mitigate the impact of the water shortages and ensure that residents receive the necessary support during this challenging period,” said Vuso.
Kou-Kamma Municipal spokesperson, Nomava Siqoko, said the region is currently experiencing a drought, and the municipality has therefore conducted various community awareness sessions throughout the festive season to encourage residents to save water.
“We did everything necessary to inform residents about the current drought and hosted information sessions on Kouga FM this past festive season,” said Siqoko.
To assist with the water outages, she said that the municipality has also carted water.
